BYM Sailing & Sports News

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Samba Pa Ti crowned 2012 Melges 32 World Champion

Sunday, 30 September 2012

The final day of competition at the 2012 Melges 32 World Championship, hosted by the New York Yacht Club (NYYC), had spectators on the edge of their seats for the last race of the ten part racing series. John Kilroy, Jr. on Samba Pa Ti triumphed over the thirty-three strong fleet to claim the class' most coveted trophy and title - that of Melges 32 World Champion.

"We've worked so hard for so long to accomplish this." commented Kilroy during the awards ceremony. "We won in Key West, then felt as though we were a little off track. Officially, we are back where we need to be with this incredible win, a win I consider one of the most treasured I have ever won."

Proudly seated second overall is Alec Cutler on Hedgehog with tactician Richard Clarke and in third, is a deserving Steve Howe on Warpath with Morgan Larson on tactics.

Race number ten provided more surprises under overcast skies, light and shifty breezes out of the Northeast. Keisuke Suzuki from Japan on Swing, with tactician Jesper Radich put the fleet on alert when he challenged and overtook John Taylor's Ninkasi with Jeff Madrigali on tactics. Suzuki slowly but surely acquired a monster lead as the race progressed, then gained more momentum and extended furthermore earning over a two minute lead at the finish for the win. Edoardo Lupi's Torpyone had a great race finishing second, while Alex Jackson on Leenabarca claimed third.

AN EXTRAORDINARY THANKSAs with any World Championship, many months of preparation, hard work and tireless efforts make it a great success. The IM32CA would like to thank the entire NYYC Race Committee including PRO Hank Stuart and all the volunteers, by which without the generosity of their time and love of the sport of sailing, this event would not have been possible. In particular, the support staff in place at the NYYC is impeccable. A very special thanks to Brad Dellenbaugh, Susan Daly, Daniela Burton, Beth Duggan, Alex Egan and many others that without their help, we simply could not have done it.

And lastly, but most certainly not least - many thanks to all the competitors that traveled from around the globe to attend. Without you this Championship would not have been possible. Thank you for coming and making it the largest ever!

Again, very special thanks to Roberto Tomasini Grinover on Robertissima for letting the World Championship fleet be a part of his fabulous birthday extravaganza that officially, has gone down in Melges 32 Class (and possibly Newport, RI) history.